Method and apparatus for operating a gaming device

ABSTRACT

A slot machine allows the operation of two or more independent slot games at the same time. The two or more slot games may have the exact same game format or different game formats. Each slot game pays independently of the other slot game, but uses a common pool of credits. One player may play cooperatively with another player, or other players, at the same gaming machine; or one player may play two or more slot games at the same time on the same machine. By placing multiple slot games on the same machine, the amount of money deposited into the slot machine increases without taking up any additional casino floor space. Therefore, casinos, especially those with restricted floor space or limited quantities of slot machines, may generate higher profits per square foot and offer more games to their clientele.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is related to and claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Serial No. 60/228,471, filed Aug. 29, 2000,entitled “Method of Playing a Slot Machine (Dual Slots)”.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002] This invention relates primarily to electronic video gamingdevices, and more particularly to electronic video slot machines whichcan operate two or more slot games at the same time on the same gamingdevice.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In a conventional slot machine, a single game is offered to theplayer. To play the game, a player deposits money in the form of coins,gaming tokens or paper currency either into a coin head or bill acceptor(“the coin-in”). The coins and gaming tokens are collected in areservoir inside the gaming machine (“the hopper”) while the papercurrency is collected in the bill acceptor inside the gaming machine. Ifthe coins, gaming tokens or paper currency are validated as authentic,the player accrues the appropriate number of playing units (“credits”)on a credit meter on the gaming machine depending on the denomination ofthe wager as set on the gaming machine. For example, a twenty-five centgaming machine will accrue four credits for each dollar deposited intothe gaming machine by way of the coin head or the bill acceptor.

[0004] After accruing credits on the credit meter, the player determineshow many credits he wishes to wager on the next spin of the slot reels(“total bet”) and then spins the reels by pressing the spin button or bypulling a handle. When the reels stop spinning, symbols are displayed oneach of the slot reels. The player collects credits for predeterminedwinning symbol combinations that appear in specific locations (“paylines”) on the slot reels. Winning combinations typically require thatthree or more of the same symbols appear adjacent to each other readingfrom the leftmost position of a pay line to the right.

[0005] Credits are awarded to the player for each winning symbolcombination based on a predetermined schedule (“pay table”). The numberof credits indicated by the pay table is multiplied by the number ofcredits wagered on the winning pay line. For example, a player may wagertwo credits each on five pay lines, spin the reels, and collect twicethe amount indicated on the pay table for a winning symbol combinationappearing on a pay line.

[0006] Following any pays, the credits won are added to the player'sbalance of credits shown in the credit meter. As long as the player hascredits on the credit meter, the player may continue to play the gamingmachine or the player may collect the remaining balance of credits bypressing a Cash Out button the gaming machine. In addition, the playermay view the rules of the game by pressing the Help button before anyspin.

[0007] Every casino seeks to maximize revenues from its gaming devices.One criteria used by casinos is to measure the amount of the coin-in persquare foot of casino floor space. Thus, a casino can increase itsrevenues by increasing the amount of coin-in per square foot. Based onthe mathematical probabilities built into each gaming machine, thecasino makes on average a percentage of each coin deposited in themachine: the more coin-in, the more revenue. The amount of coin-in,therefore, can be maximized in two main ways:

[0008] First, increase the number of machines per square foot. With eachgeneration of new slot machine, the machine carcass and footprint growssmaller. However, since the conventional slot machine is restricted bythe size of the physical reels (“mechanical reels”), cathode ray tube(“video reels”), or liquid crystal displays (“LCD reels”), the reductionof the overall size and depth of the slot machine is limited.

[0009] Second, increase the maximum total bet allowed on each spin. Witheach new slot machine game, the maximum bet which the player is allowedto make grows larger. Since the conventional slot player is not likelyto wager his entire bankroll on a single spin of the reels, however, themaximum total bet per spin is limited.

[0010] In addition to these two primary methods of increasing revenue,coin-in may also be enhanced by increasing the speed of play. Forexample, all other things being equal, a game on a slot machine whichtakes six seconds to play will result in more coin-in than a game on aslot machine which takes eight seconds to play.

[0011] The speed of the play of each game becomes even more noticeablewhen the situation of one player operating two separate slot machines isconsidered. When a player wishes to play two slot machine games at thesame time, the player must insert money into two coin slots or billacceptors—one on each slot machine. The player must monitor the outcomeof the spinning of the reels on two separate display screens—one on eachslot machine. The player must also reach back and forth between the twoslot machines to control the bet, spin and cash out buttons on each ofthe slot machines. Managing more than one machine to play multiple gamesat the same time, therefore, results in a much slower average speed ofplay. Furthermore, the physical effort involved in managing multiplemachines decreases the player's overall enjoyment of playing the games.

[0012] With the foregoing problems in mind, it is an object of thepresent invention to provide a slot machine which requires reducedinstallation space and which will generate a higher total wager toincrease revenues per square foot of casino floor space, while at thesame time increasing average speed of play and enhancing the player'senjoyment of playing multiple games at the same time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention includes a variety of methods of play thatcan be programmed on an electronic video slot machine. Each electronicvideo slot machine is programmed to operate two or more slot games atthe same time. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, themachine displays two slot games on the same video display screen. Eachof the slot games may be identical in every respect, including but notlimited to the wagering options, the symbol sets used on the reels, thegraphics of the screen design, the sounds used during the operation ofthe slot game and the bonus features. Alternatively, the method of thepresent invention may use different games, such as two different slotgames with different symbol sets, graphics, sounds and bonus features;or two different types of games, such as two video poker games or even aslot game with a video poker game.

[0014] Each slot game shares a common pool of credits. All wagers foreach game are deducted from the common pool of credits and all awardsearned from each game are accrued into the same common pool of creditsand shown on the common credit meter (e.g., the winnings of one game maybe used to pay for the wagers of the other game). In a preferredembodiment of the present invention, the machine contains only onecommon pool of credits. Alternatively, any number of common pools ofcredits may be used, such as two common pools of credits used by fourplayers playing the machine in two-person teams.

[0015] Each slot game plays independently of the other. A wager made onone slot game has no effect on the wager made on the other slot game;the play pattern or the play strategy employed by a player on one slotgame has no effect on the play pattern or play strategy of the otherslot game; and the outcome of one slot game does not affect the outcomeof the other slot game. In a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the slot games are played independently as described above.Alternatively, the games may interact through common bonus features,such as a bonus game which may be activated by the outcomes achievedduring the play of either slot game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a gaming machine of the presentinvention.

[0017]FIG. 2 shows a front view of the gaming machine of the presentinvention.

[0018]FIG. 3 shows a front view of the screen display portion of thegaming machine of the present invention with a first representative gameoutcome.

[0019]FIG. 4 shows a front view of the screen display portion of thegaming machine of the present invention with a second representativegame outcome.

[0020]FIG. 5 shows a front view of the screen display portion of thegaming machine of the present invention with a third representative gameoutcome.

[0021]FIG. 6 shows a front view of the screen display portion of thegaming machine of the present invention with a fourth representativegame outcome.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The preferred embodiment of present invention includes the playof base games and additional bonus features, including Wild symbols andScatter pays.

[0023] Base Games. To play the base games, the player establishes acommon pool of credits, plays one or more base games by choosing whichgames to play, selecting pay lines, setting the wager per pay line,spinning the reels, and collecting credits for winning symbolcombinations and bonus features.

[0024] Gaming Apparatus. In a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, two slot games are displayed side by side on the single videodisplay in the gaming machine. However, any other orientation of theslot games could be used, such as one of the slot game being displayedabove the other slot game on the same video display device. In addition,two or more slot games may be displayed simultaneously on one or morevideo displays.

[0025]FIGS. 1 and 2 show a representative gaming machine 10 that isconfigured to practice the present invention. The gaming machine 10includes a video screen display 20 in any suitable location such as inthe general center area of the gaming machine 10. Belly glass 48 and topglass 49 can be provided upon which can be printed or otherwise markedinformation about the game. The gaming machine 10 also includes a buttonpanel 50 which provides the mounting area for a plurality of buttonsused by the player to operate the gaming machine. The button panel 50also can provide space for a coin head 80 into which the player depositscoins or gaming tokens to make a wager or to accrued credits on a creditmeter. A bill acceptor 82 is also provided in any suitable location intowhich the player can insert paper currency or coupons which are alsoused to make wagers or to accrued credits on the credit meter. A cointray 84 is also provided as is conventional into which coins aredispensed from a coin hopper (not shown) when a player wishes to cashout.

[0026] On the interior of the gaming machine 10 are the computercontrols that operate the gaming machine as well as the otherconventional hardware used in a gaming machine such as the coin hopper,the video monitor hardware, the wiring harness, the coin validator, thebill acceptor equipment and other suitable devices used to make thegaming machine 10 operational.

[0027] The layout of the gaming machine 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 isonly representative of one suitable layout and other layouts may be usedas desired.

[0028] Video Display. In a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, each of the slot games would have a five reel display using afive column by three row matrix. Alternatively, the games could utilizeany number of columns and reels, such as a 3 column by 3 row matrix. Asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the left slot game 22 and the right slot game 24are positioned side by side, although any other suitable orientation maybe used.

[0029] Buttons. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, aset of buttons are mounted on the button panel and are used by theplayer to control the functions of each slot game—the left slot game 22and the right slot game 24. As shown in FIG. 2, these buttons includeSelect Pay Lines 24L and 24R, Bet Per Line 26L and 26R, Max Bet 28L and28R, Spin Reels 30L and 306R, Pay Table 24L and 24R, and Help 32L and32R. Each button may be further identified on the top of each buttonwith “LEFT” and “RIGHT” titles, such as Spin LEFT Reels and Spin RIGHTReels. Any or all of these control buttons may be displayed on the videodisplay and/or buttons hard wired to the gaming device. If necessary,any number of buttons may added to further facilitate control of thegames

[0030] The preferred embodiment of the present invention can also use aset of control buttons to operate both games at the same time, such asSpin BOTH Reels button 40 that spins the reels of both slot games andCash Out button 42 that issues the number of credits displayed on theCredits meter 60 in coin, or other currency, to the player.

[0031] Meters. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, aset of meters are shown on the video display screen 20 to display thesalient information for each of the left game 22 and the right game 24,including Number of Pay Lines 52L and 52R, Amount Bet Per Line 54L and54R, Total Bet 56L and 56R, and Paid 56L and 56R. The Number of PayLines meter 52L and 52R is associated with the Select Pay Lines button24L and 24R and displays the current number of Pay Lines Selected. TheAmount Bet Per Line meter 54L and 54R is associated with the Bet PerLine button 26L and 26R and displays the number of credits wagered perpay line. The Total Bet, meter 56L and 56R displays the cumulative valueof the Number of Pay Lines 52L and 52R and Amount Bet Per Line 54L and54R; and the Paid meter 56L and 56R displays the number of credits wonon the last spin. In addition, the games both share the Credits meter 60which displays the total number credits remaining in the common creditpool.

[0032] Credit Pool. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,the player deposits coins, tokens or paper currency into the coin headslot 80 or a paper currency bill acceptor 82 to establish a common poolof credits. The amount of this common pool of credits is displayed tothe player on the Credits meter 60. The common pool of credits increasesand decreases according to the player's wins or losses and may besupplemented, if necessary, by the player by additional deposits ofcoins, tokens or paper currency.

[0033] Choose Games. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,a single player may choose to play up to two base games at the same timeon the same gaming machine. Alternatively, two players may share themachine with one player operating each game. Alternatively, the playermay play one slot game and allow the other slot game to remain inactive.

[0034] Select Pay Lines. In a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, each of the slot games have a plurality of pay lines uponwhich to wager. The pay lines wagered on by the player would beactivated a predetermined order. For example, the slot game may utilizenine pay lines of which the player's first wager is applied to pay line1, the second wager is applied to pay line 2, the third wager is appliedto pay line 3, and so on up until the ninth wager is applied to pay line9. However, the games may utilize any other order of pay line activationand fewer or greater than nine pay lines may be used.

[0035] Bet Per Line. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,the player sets the value of the wager on each pay line; the same amountis wagered on each pay line. Alternatively, the player could be allowedto make wagers of different amounts on each pay line. The total amountwagered is determined by summing the amounts wagered on each pay line.

[0036] Spin Reels. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,the player then causes the slot machine to operate by effecting a “spin”of the reels. This can be done in any suitable manner, such as theplayer pressing a “spin” button on the machine's button panel andwatching a video simulation of a reel slot machine.

[0037] Symbol Set. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,each symbol is chosen from a set of twelve symbols. For each spin, themachine randomly displays three symbols from the symbol set on eachreel. A common theme can be used for the symbols, and in one embodiment,the symbols are related to a fishing theme. However, any suitablesymbols may be used, including the traditional fruit symbols thatcommonly appear on other slot machines. Furthermore, fewer or greaterthat twelve symbols may be used as a symbol set.

[0038] Winning Symbol Combinations. In a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the player is paid for predetermined winningcombinations of symbols that appear on an active pay line. Each winningcombination may involve three or more of the same symbols that appearadjacent to each other reading from the leftmost position of a pay lineto the right. Each winning combination pays the amount indicated on thegame's pay table times the amount wagered on that pay line. Furthermore,any appropriate pay table may be used and each slot game may use its ownpay table. Alternatively, any desired group of symbols may be designatedas winning symbol combinations and fewer or greater than three symbolscould be designated as winning symbol combinations.

[0039] Base Games Example. Sam Slotsky is standing in front of anickel-denomination version of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. Sam sees two sets of 5-reel slot games side-by-side on thevideo display; the game 22 on the left is IGT's TEXAS OIL™ slot game andthe game 24 on the right is IGT's LITTLE GREEN MEN™ slot game. Anysuitable slot games may be used and the slot games may both be the sameslot game or may be different slot games as in this example.

[0040] Below each game on the button panel 50 are seven buttons: SelectPay Lines 24L and 24R, Bet Per Line 26L and 26R, Bet Max 28L and 28R,Spin Reels 30L and 30R, Pay Table 34L and 34R, Help 32L and 32R and CashOut 36L and 36R. In addition, there are also four meters on the videoscreen display 20 below each game: Number of Pay Lines 52L and 52R,Amount Bet Per Line 54L and 54R, Total Bet 56L and 56R and Paid 58L and58R. Between the games, in the bottom-center of the video display 20,are two touch screen button locations and one meter: Spin Both Reelstouch screen button location 66, Cash Out touch screen button location62, and Credits meter 60.

[0041] Sam presses the Pay Table 34L button for the left game 22 to viewthe pays for winning combinations achieved on the left game 22. Usingthe numbers 1 to 12 to represent the symbol set, with 10 as the Wildsymbol and 11 and 12 as the scatter symbols. The pay table for symbols 1to 9 reads as follows (refer to the Bonus Features section below formore details on Wild symbols and Scatter Symbols): 9-9-9-9-9 100009-9-9-9.. 2000 9-9-9 ....400 8-8-8-8-8 7500 8-8-8-8.. 1500 8-8-8 ....3007-7-7-7-7 5000 7-7-7-7.. 1000 7-7-7 ....200 6-6-6-6-6 2500 6-6-6-6.. 5006-6-6 ....100 5-5-5-5-5 1500 5-5-5-5.. 300 5-5-5 ....60 4-4-4-4-4 7504-4-4-4.. 150 4-4-4 ....30 3-3-3-3-3 500 3-3-3-3.. 100 3-3-3 ....202-2-2-2-2 250 2-2-2-2.. 50 2-2-2 ....10 1-1-1-1-1 100 1-1-1-1.. 20 1-1-1....4 5 Scatters 1000X Total Bet 4 Scatters 100X Total Bet 3 Scatters10X Total Bet

[0042] Sam then presses the Help button 32L to view the rules of theTEXAS OIL™ left slot game 22. After reading the game rules for the leftgame 22, he returns to the base games screen.

[0043] Sam presses the Pay Table button 34R for the right game 24 toview the game's pays for winning combinations on the right game 24.Using the numbers 1 to 12 to represent the symbol set, with 10 as theWild symbol and 11 and 12 as the scatter symbols. The pay table forsymbols 1 to 9 reads as follows (refer to the Bonus Features sectionbelow for more details on Wild symbols and Scatter Symbols): 9-9-9-9-925000 9-9-9-9 ..6000 9-9-9 .. 1500 8-8-8-8-8 12000 8-8-8-8.. 3200 8-8-8....800 7-7-7-7-7 6500 7-7-7-7.. 1600 7-7-7 ....400 6-6-6-6-6 32006-6-6-6.. 800 6-6-6 ....200 5-5-5-5-5 1600 5-5-5-5.. 400 5-5-5 ....1004-4-4-4-4 1000 4-4-4-4.. 240 4-4-4 ....60 3-3-3-3-3 500 3-3-3-3.. 1203-3-3 ....30 2-2-2-2-2 250 2-2-2-2.. 60 2-2-2 ....15 1-1-1-1-1 1001-1-1-1.. 20 1-1-1 ....5 5 Scatters 15 Free Spins 4 Scatters 9 FreeSpins 3 Scatters 5 Free Spins

[0044] Sam then presses the Help button 32R to view the rules of theLITTLE GREEN MEN™ right game 24. After reading the rules for the rightgame 24, he returns to the base games screen.

[0045] Sam deposits $20 into the bill receptor and the Credits metercounts up from 0 to 400 since the denomination for this game is fivecents per credit. Sam then his chooses the wager on the left game 22:

[0046] The left game's Number of Pay Lines meter 52L reads 1. Sampresses the Select Pay Lines button 24L four times and the Number of PayLines meter 52L counts up from 1 to 5. As Sam presses the Select PayLines button 24L, the video display shows the locations of each selectedpay line on the 5 column by 3 row matrix. For example, the first payline starts in the middle row of the first column and proceeds in thestraight line through the middle row of columns 2 through 5;

[0047] The left game's Amount Bet Per Line meter 54L reads 1. Sampresses the Bet Per Line button 26L two times and the Amount Bet PerLine meter 54L counts up from 1 to 3;

[0048] The Total Bet meter 56L started at 1, but after Sam's adjustmentsit now reads 15; and

[0049] The Paid meter 58L reads 0.

[0050] Sam's adjustments to the left game 22 have not affected the rightgame 24 at all. So, Sam uses the control buttons under the right game 24to select his wager for the right game 24:

[0051] The Number of Pay Lines meter 52R at 9;

[0052] The Amount Bet Per Line meter 54R at 2;

[0053] The Total Bet meter 56R at 18; and

[0054] The Paid meter 58R reads 0.

[0055] After setting his wagers, Sam presses the Spin Reels button 30Lunder the left game 22. The Credits meter 60 counts down from 400 to385. The reels of the left game 22 spin and then come to a stop. Usingthe numbers 1 to 12 to represent the symbol set, with 10 as the Wildsymbol and 11 and 12 as the scatter symbols, the reels of the left game22 display the following symbols as shown in FIG. 3:

[0056]3 1 6 7 5

[0057]4 4 4 3 8 (Winning symbol combination in bold.)

[0058]6 6 1 9 7

[0059] The left game 22 awards Sam ninety credits for a winning symbolcombination of 4-4-4 on pay line 1. The award reflects the left game 22pay table which states that 4-4-4 pays thirty credits for each creditwagered upon the pay line; or thirty credits times three credits wageredby Sam on pay line 1. The Credits meter 60 counts up from 385 to 475 andthe left game Paid meter 58L reads 90.

[0060] Sam then presses the Spin Reels button 30R under the right game24. The Credits meter 60 counts down from 475 to 457. The reels of theright game 24 spin and then come to a stop. Using the numbers 1 to 12 torepresent the symbol set, with 10 as the Wild symbol and 11 and 12 asthe scatter symbols, the reels of the right game 24 display thefollowing symbols as shown in FIG. 3: 4 1 2 7 5 5 4 1 3 8 6 6 4 9 7

[0061] The right game awards Sam 120 credits for a winning symbolcombination of 4-4-4 on pay line 4. The award reflects the right game 24pay table which states that 4-4-4 pays sixty credits for each creditwagered upon the pay line; or sixty credits times two credits wagered bySam on pay line 1. The Credits meter 60 counts up from 457 to 577 andthe right game's Paid meter 58R reads 120.

[0062] Again, Sam presses the Spin Reels button 30R under the rightgame. The Credits meter 60 counts down from 577 to 562. The reels of theright game 24 spin and, before the reels stop, Sam presses the SpinReels button 30L under the left game 22. The Credits meter 60 countsdown from 562 to 544. When the reels of the right game 24 stop, thereare no winning symbol combinations and the right game Paid meter 58Rreads 0. And when the reels of the left game 22 stop, there are twowinning combinations which pay a combined 150 credits. The Credits meter60 counts up from 562 to 712 and the left game Paid meter 58L reads 150.

[0063] Sam continues to play the slot games by pressing the Spin Bothbutton 40. The Credits meter 60 counts down from 712 to 679. The reelsof the right game 24 and the left game 22 spin and come to a stop asshown in FIG. 4. Using the numbers 1 to 12 to represent the symbol set,with 10 as the Wild symbol and 11 and 12 as the scatter symbols, thereels of the left game 22 display the following symbols: 2 2 2 2 2 5 4 14 9 7 1 3 9 7

[0064] And the reels of the right game 24 display the following symbols:2 1 5 8 3 5 4 6 4 4 3 2 3 6 2

[0065] The left game 22 awards Sam 750 credits for a winning symbolcombination of 2-2-2-2-2 on pay line 2. The award reflects the rightgame's pay table which states that 2-2-2-2-2 pays two hundred fiftycredits for each credit wagered upon the pay line; or two hundred fiftycredits times three credits wagered by Sam on pay line 2. The Creditsmeter 60 counts up from 679 to 1,429 and the left game Paid meter 58Lreads 750. The right game 24 did not produce a winning symbolcombination and the right game Paid meter 58R reads 0.

[0066] Content with his winnings, Sam presses the Cash Out button 42.The gaming device issues 1,429 nickels or any other form of currency,including cash, an EZ-PAY™ ticket, or electronic payment.

[0067] Bonus Features. During play of the base games, the player mayreceive special pays for bonus features, such as Wild Symbols andScatter pays.

[0068] Wild Symbols. Wild symbols replace any or all other symbols indetermining winning outcomes. Alternatively, wild symbols may onlyreplace limited subsets of the other symbols. Wild symbols, therefore,increase the possibility of a player achieving winning combinations andthe pay table must reflect that the wild symbols are in use. In apreferred embodiment of the present invention, the wild symbol acts asits own symbol (e.g., three wild symbols on a pay line) while at thesame time a wild symbol could also replaces every other symbol.Alternatively, any suitable replacement rules for wild symbols could beused.

[0069] Each wild symbol may also be used to affect payouts which utilizeone or more wild symbols. For example, a wild symbol used in a winningcombination of symbols, may double the value of the winning combination.The slot game can also be configured so that the wild symbols increaseor decrease the value of any payout in any manner which results in anaverage value that can be utilized to control the gaming machine'soverall average payouts. In the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, however, the Wild symbols do not affect the value of thewinning symbol combinations.

[0070] Scatter Pays. A scatter pay awards the player a predeterminedpayout for the appearance of a scatter symbol, or a combination ofscatter symbols, anywhere on the main game screen display. This is knownin the art as a “Scatter Pay” in that the scatter symbols may appearanywhere on an active pay line (i.e. a pay line upon which the playerhas made a wager), across multiple active pay lines, or even on aposition upon which the player did not make a wager. Scatter pays awarda specific number of credits and/or trigger a bonus feature, such asentertaining animations, free spins, enhanced pay table values, and/orselection of bonus objects.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a scattersymbol combination of three or more scatter symbols award: a specificnumber of credits with an entertaining animation bonus feature; aselection of bonus objects and/or free spins. The number of creditsawarded may be determined by multiplying the total amount wagered by arandom number within a predetermined range of numbers; or the number offree spins awarded may be set by the number of scatter symbols displayedon the reels. Alternatively, the value of the bonus feature could bedetermined by any other suitable calculation as long as the bonusfeature results in an average value that can be utilized to control theoverall average payouts of the slot game.

[0072] Wild symbols and Scatter pays do not necessarily result in theaward of credits. The activation of the bonus feature may only result ina payout some percentage of the time. For example, Wild symbols mayappear on the screen without forming a winning symbol combination.Scatter symbols may require the presence of another element, such asanother special symbol. Alternatively, a bonus feature which pays moreor less frequently could be used as long as the bonus feature results inan average value that can be utilized to control the overall averagepayouts of the slot game. In the preferred embodiment of presentinvention, Wild symbols do not always result in winning symbolcombinations, however, Scatter pays always result in the award ofcredits.

[0073] Bonus Feature Example.

[0074] Sam Slotsky returns to the same nickel-denomination version ofthe preferred embodiment of the present invention, as described above inthe Base Games Example section. Sam deposits $20 into the bill acceptorand the Credits meter 60 counts up from 0 to 400. Sam then presses theHelp buttons 32L and 32R to view the rules of the games:

[0075] The rules of the left game 22 state that there are two bonusfeatures: Wild symbols and Scatter pays. Wild symbols replace any symbolon the reels except for a Scatter symbol. Scatter pays of ten to onethousand times the Total Bet occur whenever three or more Scattersymbols appear anywhere on the slot reels.

[0076] The rules of the right game 24 state that there are two bonusfeatures: Wild symbols and Scatter pays. Wild symbols replace any symbolon the reels except for a Scatter symbol. Scatter pays of three tofifteen free games occur whenever three or more Scatter symbols appearanywhere on a pay line upon which the player wagered.

[0077] After reading the rules, Sam returns to the base games screen.Using the control buttons, Sam adjusts his wagers on the left game 22and the right game 24. For the left game 22, he sets the Number of PayLines 52L at 5 and the Amount Bet Per Line 54L at 3; and, for the rightgame 24, he sets the Number of Pay Lines 52R at 9 and the Amount Bet PerLine 54R at 2.

[0078] After setting his wagers, Sam presses the Spin Reels button 30Lunder the left game 22. The Credits meter 60 counts down from 400 to385. The reels of the left game 22 spin and then come to a stop. Usingthe numbers 1 to 12 to represent the symbol set, with 10 as the Wildsymbol and 11 and 12 as the scatter symbols, the reels of the left game22 display the following symbols as shown in FIG. 5: 11 1 6 7 5 4 10 4 38 6 6 2 11 7

[0079] The left game 22 awards Sam 290 credits for two winning symbolcombinations of 4-10-4 on pay line 1 and 6-10-6 on pay line 5. The 10symbol is Wild and acts as a 4 symbol to make the 4-4-4 combination andthen acts as a 6 symbol to make the 6-6-6 combination. The 10 symboldoes not replace as a Scatter symbols and, therefore, does not act as an11 symbol.

[0080] The 290 credit award reflects the left game's pay table whichstates that 4-4-4 pays thirty credits for each credit wagered upon thepay line (e.g., thirty credits times three credits wagered by Sam on payline 1) and also states that 6-6-6 pays one hundred credits for eachcredit wagered upon the pay line (e.g., one hundred credits times twocredits wagered by Sam on pay line 5). The Credits meter 60 counts upfrom 385 to 675 and the left game Paid meter 58L reads 290.

[0081] Again, Sam presses the Spin Reels button 30L under the left game22. The Credits meter 60 counts down from 675 to 660. The reels of theleft game 22 spin and then come to a stop. Using the numbers 1 to 12 torepresent the symbol set, with 10 as the Wild symbol and 11 and 12 asthe scatter symbols, the reels of the left game display the followingsymbols as shown in FIG. 6: 11 1 6 7 5 4 11 4 3 8 6 6 2 11 7

[0082] The left game 22 displays an entertaining animation of oilpumping from an oil well and awards Sam one hundred fifty credits for aScatter symbol combination of three 11 symbols anywhere on the slotreels. The award reflects the left game pay table which states thatthree Scatter Symbols pay ten times the Total Bet. The Credits meter 60counts up from 660 to 810 and the left game Paid meter 58L reads 150.

[0083] Sam then presses the Spin Reels button 30R under the right game24. The Credits meter 60 counts down from 810 to 792. The reels of theright game 24 spin and then come to a stop. Using the numbers 1 to 12 torepresent the symbol set, with 10 as the Wild symbol and 11 and 12 asthe scatter symbols, the reels of the left game display the followingsymbols as shown in FIG. 6: 12 12 12 12 5 4 5 4 3 8 6 6 2 4 7

[0084] The right game 24 awards Sam nine free spins for a Scatter symbolcombination of four 12 symbols adjacent from left to right on pay line3. The award reflects the right game pay table which states that fourScatter Symbols result in nine free spins. The game proceeds to spinnine times at the same wager level; Sam wins a total of 425 credits. TheCredits meter 60 counts up from 792 to 1,217 and the right game Paidmeter 58R reads 425.

[0085] Content with his winnings, Sam presses the Cash Out button 42.The gaming device issues 1,217 nickels or any other form of currency,including cash, an EZ-PAY™ ticket, or electronic payment.

[0086] The present invention is not constrained to parameters listedabove. The number of games operated by the machine at the same time isnot critical; more than two games can be used. The number of pay linesused in each game is also not critical; more or less than five pay linescan be used. The number of symbols located on each pay line may be moreor less than the three symbol locations described above. However, it ispreferable to have at least three symbol locations to providemathematical combinations in sufficient amounts to offer reasonablewinning payouts. Also the number of symbols with the symbol set used ina slot game may vary. However, it is preferable to have at least sevensymbols within the symbol set to provide mathematical combinations insufficient amounts to offer reasonable winning payouts.

[0087] In addition, the present invention may be modified to work onmultiple video displays or sets of mechanical slot reels with a basegame on each display or set of reels. Existing slot machines withmultiple games use multiple reel mechanisms that are dependent and,therefore, do not allow for separate operation. The present invention,however, uses video displays and allows each base game to operateindependently using separate controls, pay tables, wagers, symbols sets,base game rules, bonus features and animations. Furthermore, the basegames may be played one-at-a-time, in an alternating fashion, orsimultaneously.

[0088] Given the flexibility of the present invention, therefore, thepreferred embodiment listed above should be considered illustrative andnot limiting. Various modifications and additions may be made and willbe apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the inventionshould not be limited by the foregoing description, but rather should bedefined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of playing a gaming device in which eachslot game has a plurality of reels, a plurality of symbols associatedwith each reel and a plurality of pay lines comprising: a) providing agaming machine having at least a first slot game and second slot gamethereon; b) configuring the first slot game to operate independently ofthe second slot game with regard to the activation of the slot reels,the display of the symbols on each reel and the determination of anoutcome on each pay line; and c) providing a common pool of credits fromwhich each slot game uses credits to make wagers and to which each slotgame accrues awards from any winning occurrences on the slot game. 2.The method of claim 1 including the steps of: a) using a separate inputmeans to make a wager on each slot game; b) using a separate means toactivate the start of each slot game; c) using a separate means to allowa player to view an explanation of the operation, rules and payouts foreach game; d) providing a separate area on a display screen of thegaming machine to allow the player view the wager made, the creditsaccrued and other information pertinent to the operation of each game;e) using a common control means to allow the player to receive a payoutof any amount of accrued credits.
 3. The method of claim 1 including thestep of providing that each game is the same game in every aspect,including having the same set of rules, symbols, pay lines, wagers,music, artwork and random number generator.
 4. The method of claim 1including the step of providing that each game is a different game inone or more aspects, including having a different set of rules, symbols,pay lines, wagers, music, artwork or random number generator.
 5. Themethod of claim 1 including the step of providing that each of the slotgames on the gaming machine is selected by a manufacturer of the gamingmachine.
 6. The method of claim 1 including the step of providing thateach of the slot games on the gaming machine is selected by a gamingestablishment who is acquiring the gaming machine.
 7. The method ofclaim 1 including the step of providing that each of the slot games onthe gaming machine is selected by the player of the gaming machine froma menu of available games provided on the gaming machine.
 8. The methodof claim 1 including the steps of: a) providing the gaming machine witha main screen which displays each slot game; b) activating at least onebonus feature during the play of a slot game if at least onepredetermined result occurs during the play of the slot game; and c)providing that each bonus feature on the first game operatesindependently of any outcome achieved during the play of the second gameon the same machine.
 9. The method of claim 2 including the steps of: a)providing the gaming machine with a main screen which displays each slotgame; b) activating at least one bonus feature during the play of a slotgame if at least one predetermined result occurs during the play of theslot game; and c) providing that each bonus feature on the first gameoperates in conjunction with any outcome achieved during the play of thesecond game on the same machine.
 10. The method of claim 1 including thestep of providing that each slot game includes: a) randomly selectingand displaying one or more pay lines of at least three symbols; b) theplayer making a first wager on a first pay line, a second wager on asecond pay line and additional wagers on any subsequent pay lines bydrawing from the common pool of credits; c) crediting to the common poolof credits a predetermined amount based on the amount of the first wagerif the resulting symbols of the first pay line comprise a predeterminedwinning combination; d) crediting to the common pool of credits apredetermined amount based on the amount of the second wager if theresulting symbols of the second pay line comprise a predeterminedwinning combination; and e) crediting to the common pool of credits apredetermined amount based on the amount of any subsequent wagers if theresulting symbols on any of the subsequent pay lines comprise apredetermined winning combination.
 11. The method of claim 1 includingthe step of providing each slot game with a bonus feature which isactivated if at least one predetermined symbol appears anywhere on theslot game screen display.
 12. The method of claim 1 including the stepof providing each slot game with a bonus feature which is activatedrandomly.
 13. The method of claim 1 including the step of providing eachslot game with a bonus feature which is activated according to apredetermined schedule.
 14. The method of claim 1 including the step ofproviding each slot game with a bonus feature which is activated as aresult of a decision made by the player.
 15. The method of claim 1including the step of providing each slot game with a bonus featurewhich is activated as a result of an action by the player.
 16. Themethod of claim 11 in which, if the bonus feature activated, then anamount of bonus credits is awarded based on the total amount wagered bythe player.
 17. The method of claim 16 in which the bonus amount isdetermined by multiplying the total amount wagered by a random numberwithin a predetermined range of numbers.
 18. The method of claim 16 inwhich the bonus amount is determined by multiplying the total amountwagered by any calculation that results in an average value that can beutilized to control the overall average payout amount of the gamingmachine.
 19. The method of claim 1 including the step of providing eachslot game with a bonus screen feature which is activated if at least onepredetermined symbol appears on an active pay line on the slot gamescreen display.
 20. The method of claim 19 in which the bonus screenfeature is selected randomly from a plurality of possible bonus screens.21. The method of claim 19 in which the bonus screen feature comprisesthe steps of: a) displaying at least two objects on a bonus screen; b)the player continuing to select a bonus screen object which reveals anaward to the player until the player selects a bonus screen object thatcauses the bonus screen feature to end; and c) accruing to the commonpool of credits the total accumulated amount of the award achieved bythe player during the play of the bonus screen feature.
 22. The methodof claim 21 in which the bonus screen award includes a special featureaward in which the player receives an award based on the total amountwagered by the player.
 23. The method of claim 22 in which the specialfeature award is a multiplier selected randomly from a group of possiblemultiplier numbers.
 24. The method of claim 22 in which the specialfeature award is an amount calculated to result in an average value thatcan be utilized to control the overall average payout of the gamingmachine.
 25. A gaming machine comprising: a) a first slot game having aplurality of reels, a plurality of symbols associated with each reel anda plurality of pay lines; b) a second slot game having a plurality ofreels, a plurality of symbols associated with each reel and a pluralityof pay lines; c) a main video display screen which displays both thefirst slot game and the second slot game; d) means for operating thefirst slot game independently of the second slot game with regard to theactivation of the slot reels, the display of the symbols on each reeland the determination of an outcome on each pay line; and e) a commoncredits meter from which both the first slot game and the second slotgame uses credits to make wagers and to which both the first slot gameand the second slot game accrues awards from any winning occurrences oneither the first slot game or the second slot game.
 26. The apparatus ofclaim 25 including: a) a first input means for making a wager on thefist slot game and a second, separate input means to make a wager on thesecond slot game; b) a first means for activating the start of the fistslot game and a second, separate means for activating the start of thesecond slot game; c) a first means for allowing a player to view anexplanation of the operation, rules and payouts for the first game and asecond, separate means for allowing a player to view an explanation ofthe operation, rules and payouts for the second slot game; d) a firstarea on the video display screen view for allowing a player to view thewager made, the credits accrued and other information pertinent to theoperation of the first slot game and a second, separate area on thevideo display screen for allowing a player to view the wager made, thecredits accrued and other information pertinent to the operation of thesecond slot game; and e) a means for allowing the player to receive apayout of any amount of accrued credits as shown on the common creditsmeter.
 27. The apparatus of claim 25 including a bonus screen featurewhich is displayed on the video screen display and is activated if atleast one predetermined symbol appears on an active pay line on eitherthe first slot game or the second slot game.